Takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock due to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, acute mitral regurgitation, and atrial fibrillation: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Although Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is generally considered a benign disease, recent reports showed the incidence of cardiogenic shock due to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), mitral regurgitation (MR), and primary pump failure was estimated to be 6–20%. Case summary A 78-year-old woman presented with chest pain and cold sweats 2 days after surgery for lung cancer. Acute coronary syndrome was suspected based on her symptoms, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and laboratory data; thus, emergency catheterization was performed. Normal coronaries were observed, with hyperkinesis at the base of the left ventricle and akinesis at its apex, leading to the diagnosis of the apical ballooning type of TTS. Pressure differences between the apex of the left ventricle (168/8/28 mmHg) and aorta (94/50/64 mmHg) indicated the presence of LVOTO. Two days after TTS onset, she developed cardiogenic shock (blood pressure was 54/38 mmHg). Transthoracic echocardiography showed acute MR due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve caused by LVOTO, which was further exacerbated by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Fluid resuscitation, intravenous β-blockers, and amiodarone were administered for reduction of the pressure gradient in the left ventricular outflow, rate control, and sinus rhythm maintenance. Her condition improved along with the MR, thereby improving LVOTO and maintaining sinus rhythm. Discussion Takotsubo syndrome should be kept in mind as a potential cause of acute MR due to LVOTO. Catheterization and multiple follow-up TTE play a major role in early detection for this condition.